10 Charming Villages and Towns in the Yorkshire Dales You Need to See

Quick Answer: The best villages and towns to see in the Yorkshire Dales include Grassington, Hawes, Malham, Reeth and Dent, stone-built settlements spread across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Cumbria. The National Park Authority puts the area at 2,178 square kilometres, and all-day parking in Grassington costs roughly £5.50.

These places offer direct access to moorland trails, independent pubs, and centuries-old dry-stone walls. According to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the area covers 2,178 square kilometres and attracts millions of walkers every year.

The 10 at a Glance

• Grassington

• Hawes

• Malham

• Reeth

• Arncliffe

• Dent

• Kettlewell

• Askrigg

• Thornthwaite

• Appletreewick

Most visitors to Yorkshire stick to the big cities and miss the actual terrain that defines the north of England. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales are worth the drive precisely because they refuse to change for tourists.

You get narrow limestone lanes, pubs that have poured ale since the seventeen-hundreds, and sheep wandering onto the tarmac without a care in the world. Skip the weekend traffic jams by arriving before nine in the morning.

Pack sturdy boots because the flagstone pavements get slippery when the Pennine weather turns.

Beyond this list: our map has 60,000 hidden gems across 100 countries, and you can filter it down to whatever you are actually planning. See the hidden gems we have mapped in England.

1. Grassington

Grassington acts as the main hub for Upper Wharfedale and gets far too busy on summer weekends. You need to park in the main car park by the National Park Centre on Hebden Road and walk into the cobbled square.

Grab a pint of bitter at the Devonshire Institute or pick up a pork pie from the local butcher on Main Street.

The annual Grassington Festival in June brings crowds, but winter brings a proper quiet frost. Walk up to Linton Falls via the riverside path behind the town hall to see the water tearing through the limestone gorge.

It takes about fifteen minutes from the square and the path is clearly marked with brown fingerposts. Skip this place on a rainy Saturday in August unless you enjoy queuing for a bacon sandwich.

FAQ: Visiting Grassington

How do I get to Grassington by public transport?

The 72 bus run by Keighley Bus Company connects Skipton station to Grassington square six days a week.

The journey takes around thirty minutes and costs approximately £4 for a single ticket as of 2026. Check the winter timetable in advance because Sunday services reduce significantly.

Is parking free in Grassington?

All major car parks in Grassington charge a flat daily rate operated by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

You will pay roughly £5.50 for a full day as of 2026 using coins or the PayByPhone app.

Free street parking is practically non-existent due to double yellow lines on every corner.

What is the best walk starting from Grassington?

The Grassington to Hebden circular route is four miles long and takes roughly two hours to complete.

You start in the main square, cross the suspension bridge over the River Wharfe, and return via Outgang Lane. Wear waterproof boots because the fields near the weir stay boggy year-round.

2. Hawes

Hawes sits high in Wensleydale and serves as the undisputed capital of local cheese production. You must head straight to the Wensleydale Creamery on Gayle Lane to watch the cheesemakers press the curd by hand.

A standard visitor ticket to the creamery museum costs around £8.50 as of 2026 and includes a tasting session of their oak-smoked varieties.

Follow that up with a walk up to Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall, which costs £4.50 to enter via the Green Dragon Inn.

The town itself features steep stone terraces and hardware shops that sell everything from sheep shears to Thermos flasks. Avoid buying cheese at the gift shops in York because the Hawes creamery shop has the freshest stock by far.

FAQ: Visiting Hawes

Can I visit Hawes without a car?

The Little White Bus service links Hawes to Garsdale railway station on the Settle-Carlisle line.

Buses run five times a day, matching the train arrivals, and cost around £3 per trip as of 2026. The journey over the Buttertubs Pass offers incredible views of the Dales valleys.

Where is the best place to eat in Hawes?

The Board Inn on Market Place serves hearty pub grub like steak and ale pie using local beef.

Mains cost around £16 as of 2026, and they always have at least three local real ales on tap.

Dogs are welcome in the bar area if you have a muddy hound with you.

How long does it take to walk to Hardraw Force from Hawes?

The walk from Hawes market square to Hardraw Force takes fifteen minutes each way along a paved lane and public footpath.

You pay the admission fee at the Green Dragon Inn bar before walking through the beer garden to the wooded gorge. The path is wheelchair accessible up to the main viewing platform.

3. Malham

Malham is a magnet for geologists and hikers because of the massive limestone pavement looming overhead. You need to park in the main Yorkshire Dales car park at the southern edge of the village before heading out.

Walk past the Lister Arms pub and follow the well-trodden stone path alongside Malham Beck towards the Cove.

The climb up the metal steps to the top of the limestone pavement requires decent knees and footwear with actual grip.

According to the British Geological Survey, Malham Cove was formed by a massive waterfall melting from a glacier twelve thousand years ago. Carry on walking north towards Malham Tarn if you want to escape the families eating ice cream by the beck.

FAQ: Visiting Malham

Is parking available in Malham village?

The main pay-and-display car park is located on the western approach to Malham and costs roughly £6 for the day as of 2026. Spaces fill up by 9:30 AM on any sunny weekend between May and September.

Cashless payment is available via the Ringo app, but mobile signal in the valley is notoriously poor.

How steep is the climb up Malham Cove?

The path leading to the top of Malham Cove involves roughly four hundred stone and metal steps built into the hillside.

It takes about twenty minutes of steady climbing and will get your heart rate up immediately. Avoid descending this way if it has been raining because the limestone blocks become dangerously slick.

Are there public toilets in Malham?

Free public toilets are maintained by the national park authority right next to the main Malham car park.

They include accessible facilities and baby changing stations that remain open year-round. Bring your own hand sanitiser because soap dispensers frequently run empty during peak afternoons.

4. Reeth

Reeth sits at the meeting point of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale with a massive sloping village green at its core.

You should grab an outside table at the Two Dales Bakery on the green and order a sourdough loaf and a filter coffee. The village was once a booming centre for lead mining during the eighteenth century.

Walk up to the old Maiden Castle earthworks on the moor above Reeth for a view that stretches across five miles of heather.

The local Dales Countryside Museum outpost at the Station Cinema in nearby Richmond gives full context to the mining history if it rains. Do not miss the Friday market stalls if you want local honey and hand-knitted woollen socks.

FAQ: Visiting Reeth

What is the history of Reeth village green?

The large central green in Reeth was originally used as a livestock market and fairground during the peak of the Swaledale lead mining era. Today, it hosts local cricket matches every weekend from May to August.

Surrounding stone buildings date mostly from the late eighteenth century.

Where is the nearest petrol station to Reeth?

The closest fuel station to Reeth is located six miles away in the town of Richmond.

Prices at rural Dales stations run higher than the national average, so fill up your tank before entering the national park.

Electric vehicle charging points are limited to a single rapid charger in the Reeth public car park.

Can I walk from Reeth to Arkengarthdale?

A straightforward four-mile circular walk connects Reeth to the lower stretches of Arkengarthdale via Langthwaite.

The route uses farm tracks and footpaths that cross the Arkle Beck via an old stone bridge. Allow two hours for the round trip at a steady walking pace.

5. Arncliffe

Arncliffe remains delightfully untouched because television crews chose nearby Burnsall for calendar shoots instead. You will find the village in Littondale with a classic green surrounded by limestone cottages.

The Falcon Inn on the edge of the green served as the original Woolpack pub in early episodes of Emmerdale.

Step inside to find flagstone floors, roaring coal fires, and beer served straight from casks behind a wooden hatch.

Walk across the bridge over the River Skirfare and head up towards Cote Gill for a panoramic view of the entire valley. This is the place to go when you want absolute silence and zero coach parties.

FAQ: Visiting Arncliffe

How do I drive to Arncliffe?

Arncliffe is reached via a narrow single-track road that branches off the B6160 near Kilnsey. Passing places are marked every hundred metres, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming tractors.

Do not attempt to tow a large caravan down this valley road under any circumstances.

When is the Falcon Inn open in Arncliffe?

The Falcon Inn typically opens from midday until late afternoon, but hours vary depending on the season and local demand.

As of 2026, food is limited to simple bar snacks rather than full hot meals.

Bring cash because card machines here frequently drop connection due to the deep valley geography.

What river runs past Arncliffe?

The River Skirfare flows directly past Arncliffe before joining the River Wharfe further downstream near Kettlewell.

The riverbed is largely dry gravel during dry summer months but can flood the lower pastures within hours after heavy autumn storms. Fishing permits for trout are available through the local angling association.

6. Dent

Dent feels distinctly Cumbrian despite falling within the administrative boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales. You must walk down the cobbled main street, known locally as Main Street, which is paved with rounded river stones.

The houses lean slightly toward each other and feature tiny windows designed to keep out the Pennine gales.

Visit the Dentdale Heritage Centre on the main drag to learn about the famous Dent Knittery and the local knitters who worked sixty hours a week.

Dent railway station sits three miles above the village and holds the title of the highest mainline station in England at 1,150 feet above sea level. Stop for a pot of tea at the George and Dragon pub before walking back down the hill.

FAQ: Visiting Dent

How far is Dent station from Dent village?

Dent railway station sits three miles uphill from the actual village of Dent. Walking between the two takes roughly forty-five minutes down a steep, narrow lane without pedestrian pavements.

A local minibus service meets selected trains, or you can book a local taxi in advance.

What are the 'Terrible Knitters of Dent'?

The Terrible Knitters of Dent were historical working-class residents—including men, women, and children—famous for their extreme speed at hand-knitting woollen hose.

Their output was so prolific during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that it supplied markets across Europe. The village heritage centre displays original knitting sheaths used in this trade.

Is parking difficult in Dent village?

Dent has a small public car park located on the eastern edge of the village near the river.

Parking costs around £4 for the day as of 2026 and operates on an honesty box or RingGo system. Spaces disappear quickly during the annual Dent Beer Festival held every May.

7. Kettlewell

Kettlewell sits snugly under the shadow of Great Whernside and acts as a primary base for serious peak baggers. You should park in the large tarmac car park beside the River Wharfe and walk across the stone bridge into the centre.

The village features three traditional pubs, meaning you can easily sample different regional breweries in a single evening.

The annual Scarecrow Festival held in August brings dozens of humorous figures to front gardens and rooftops across the lanes.

Walk up the steep track behind the Blue Bell Inn to reach the lead mines on Hag Dyke for an afternoon workout. Avoid the main street during peak lunchtime hours on Sundays when walkers return from the fells.

FAQ: Visiting Kettlewell

When is the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival held?

The Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival takes place annually over nine days starting on the second Saturday of August. Visitors can purchase a trail map from the village store for around £3 as of 2026 to find all fifty-plus hidden scarecrows.

Expect high volumes of traffic and limited parking throughout the festival week.

How hard is the climb up Great Whernside from Kettlewell?

The direct walk from Kettlewell to the summit of Great Whernside is a four-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 500 metres.

The route takes about three hours of steady hiking over flagstone paths and boggy moorland. Windproof layers are essential even in July due to the exposed summit plateau.

Where can I buy groceries in Kettlewell?

Kettlewell Village Store and Post Office sells fresh bread, local cheeses, and basic hiking supplies on the main square.

Opening hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays. They also stock a solid selection of local maps and guidebooks for Wharfedale trails.

8. Askrigg

Askrigg gained television fame as the setting for Darrowby in the original All Creatures Great and Small series. You need to look for the famous Skeldale House building right on Main Street, which now operates as holiday accommodation.

The village features a broad cobbled marketplace complete with an old butter tub and a twelfth-century parish church.

Walk down to Mill Gill Force, a secluded waterfall hidden in a wooded ravine just ten minutes from the village centre.

The path can be muddy, so wear sturdy footwear before descending the wooden steps to the viewing area. Finish your afternoon with a pint at the King's Arms Hotel, where the television cast stayed during filming.

FAQ: Visiting Askrigg

Can you go inside Skeldale House in Askrigg?

Skeldale House is privately owned and operates as holiday let apartments, so general public access to the interior is not permitted. Fans of the television show can take photographs of the exterior stone facade from Main Street.

Respect the privacy of current guests by keeping noise down outside.

Where is the nearest petrol station to Askrigg?

The closest fuel stations are located in Hawes, which is three miles west along the A684. Fuel prices here run slightly above national averages due to the rural transport logistics.

Independent garages in the area generally close by 6:00 PM on weekdays.

How long is the walk to Mill Gill Force from Askrigg?

The walk from Askrigg marketplace to Mill Gill Force takes fifteen minutes each way along a signed public footpath.

The route crosses a stone stile and follows a clear dirt track through woodland alongside the beck. Sturdy walking boots are necessary because the final approach gets slick after rain.

9. Thornthwaite

Thornthwaite is a tiny, quiet hamlet tucked into the slopes above the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will find very few tourists here, making it an ideal escape from the busier hubs of the southern Dales.

The surrounding landscape features dense forestry plantations and open grouse moors managed for game shooting.

Walk the perimeter of Fewston Reservoir just down the hill for an easy, flat five-mile circuit through mixed woodland. Bring a thermos of tea because you will not find commercial tearooms or gift shops operating on every corner here.

This location suits travellers who prefer birdwatching and quiet lane walking over crowded visitor centres.

FAQ: Visiting Thornthwaite

Is Thornthwaite inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park?

Thornthwaite sits just outside the official southeastern boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park within the Nidderdale landscape designation. The scenery shares the same characteristic gritstone geology and dry-stone wall networks as the national park proper.

Local bus connections run infrequently from Harrogate.

Where is the best place to walk near Thornthwaite?

The Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir circular trail is a five-mile flat walk located five minutes by car from Thornthwaite.

The route follows well-surfaced gravel tracks suitable for pushchairs and walkers of all abilities. Parking is available at several Yorkshire Water car parks along the route for about £3 per day as of 2026.

Are there pubs in Thornthwaite?

Thornthwaite itself does not have an operating village pub within walking distance of the houses.

You will need to drive down to the nearby hamlet of Blubberhouses or travel towards Pateley Bridge for a hot meal and local ale. Always check pub kitchen opening hours online before setting out for dinner.

10. Appletreewick

Appletreewick sits on the eastern bank of the River Wharfe and features stone cottages tucked beneath high limestone scars.

You need to walk down to the River Wharfe via the Dales Way footpath to see the famous Strid, where the river forces itself through a narrow chasm.

The Devonshire Arms and the Craven Arms both serve proper meals and local ales within a ten-minute walk of each other.

The Craven Arms features a cruck barn and an extensive collection of quirky rural artefacts inside the bar. Walk up to Simon's Seat for an expansive view over the entire Bolton Abbey estate.

Avoid swimming in the river near the Strid because the underwater currents are extremely dangerous.

FAQ: Visiting Appletreewick

How dangerous is the River Wharfe at the Strid?

The Strid is extremely dangerous due to underwater turbulence, deep rock tunnels, and powerful undercurrents that have claimed multiple lives over the centuries. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and visitors must stay behind the safety barriers on the marked paths.

Never attempt to jump across the chasm under any circumstances.

Where should I park in Appletreewick?

Appletreewick has limited roadside parking and a small designated village car park near the Craven Arms.

Arrive before 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot for roughly £4 per day as of 2026. Do not block farm gates or tractor tracks when parking on narrow rural lanes.

Can I walk from Appletreewick to Bolton Abbey?

A glorious four-mile riverside path connects Appletreewick to Bolton Abbey via the Dales Way.

The flat route takes around an hour and a half each way through sheep pastures and ancient woodland. Wear waterproof footwear because certain sections flood after heavy rain in the hills.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the villages in the Yorkshire Dales requires patience, a full tank of petrol, and an acceptance that mobile phone signal will vanish entirely.

Do not try to tick off five different settlements in a single afternoon or you will spend your entire holiday staring at the back of a tractor.

Pick two villages, park the car, and walk out onto the fells on your own two feet. Respect the local farming community by closing gates behind you and keeping dogs on leads near livestock.

The Dales reward slow travel every single time, so take your time and enjoy the silence.

Keep finding them. The map is updated regularly, with new countries and more gems added all the time. See the hidden gems we have mapped in England.

Related Guides

• 10 Hidden Gems in England Most Tourists Never Find

• 10 Charming Villages and Towns in the Lake District You Need to See

• 10 Charming Villages and Towns in the Cotswolds You Need to See

• 10 Unmissable Experiences in England Beyond the Tourist Trail

Prices, opening hours and transport details in this guide were correct as far as we could check in 2026. Always confirm directly with the venue or operator before you travel.

More guides to England.